Ford’s 2017 Escape offers great power, styling, and driving response. But several common powertrain problems, like hearing weird noises while braking, have left consumers out-of-pocket well before the 120,000-mile mark.
Key Points
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lists a single recall for the 2017 Escape, over an issue with the power window software. However, many owners feel that number should be higher due to the volume of sub-100,000-mile transmission and EcoBoost engine problems.
- Among the NHTSA reports, engine failures tend to occur between 60,000-80,000 miles and transmission failure is common between 80,000-100,000 miles. Electrical issues vary widely, from rodent-attracting wire insulation to auto start/stop malfunction.
- Car Complaints currently lists nearly 650 consumer complaints for the vehicle, including over 430 NHTSA complaints. In response, Ford has issued nearly 330 Technical Service Bulletins.
Some 2017 Ford Escape Have Common Coolant Problems that Could Cost $6,000-$9,000 to Fix
The 2017 Ford Escape offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter Duratec, 1.5-liter EcoBoost, and 2.0-liter EcoBoost. Problems are generally confined to the two EcoBoost engines, with over 185 engine-related complaints currently logged by the NHTSA.
Overwhelmingly, most engine-related issues deal with coolant intrusion leading to misfires, engine lag, overheating, and engine block/head cracking. The persistence of these issues has ultimately led to a class-action lawsuit.
Similar issues resulted in a recall for the 1.6-liter GTDI Ecoboost used in 2014 Ford Escapes. No engine recall has yet been issued for 2017. However, Ford did issue a TSB to address the engine concerns, reporting that the solution is an update of the vehicle software, which will improve cooling functions. Nevertheless, problems persist, requiring owners to foot the $6,000-$9,000 engine replacement bill.
In the NHTSA’s report, owners mentioned that even after receiving the software update, cooling system-related engine failure occurred. Multiple additional reports relay owner experiences of coolant intrusion into the cylinders of the engine. Furthermore, one item even details engine failure as early as 20,000 miles.
Unfortunately for many owners, most problems occur not long after crossing the 60,000-mile Escape warranty threshold. In combing through the NHTSA reports, we found that most reported failures occur between 60,000-100,000 miles, well before most owners should expect to be replacing the engine.
Escape’s Power Window Recall Affects Few Vehicles but Can Possibly Cause Injury to Occupants
Ford has issued only one recall for the 2017 Ford Escape, in August 2016, detailing how the vehicle’s power windows could lead to occupant injury due to excessive closing force. The recall affects a small portion of 2017 Escapes: a potential 17,985 units in the U.S. The recall is also limited to Titanium and SE trims. Dealers were responsible for updating the power window software on affected vehicles.
2017 Escape Has Serious Brake Issues, Including Loss of Stopping Power, Squealing During Brake Operation
Another problem for the 2017 Escape lies in its braking system. Multiple owner reports on Car Complaints detail varying issues with the Escape’s braking system. Currently, the site lists 25 owner reports detailing issues such as prematurely rusting rotors, a loss of stopping power, and abnormal noises during brake operation.
Ford has issued multiple TSBs related to 2017 Escape’s brake system, addressing problems such as squealing, brake system warning lights, power assist failure, and more.
Auto Start/Stop Problems May Leave 2017 Escape Drivers Stuck at a Stoplight
Another problem area for the 2017 Ford Escape stems from various electrical components. Currently, there are 78 electrical system-related complaints filed with the NHTSA. Issues with the auto start/stop feature are by far the most prevalent, accounting for around half of the reports. In most reports, the vehicle’s engine fails to resume when stopped, and the vehicle displays an error message stating the vehicle must be shifted into park and restarted. In response, Ford issued a TSB enabling dealers to fix the issue.
Other reports include a malfunctioning automatic seat adjustment system, rev surging, faulty automatic liftgate system, electrical fire, overheating (due to a faulty coolant temp sensor), overnight battery drain, rodent problems (due to soy-based wiring insulation), and rear window failure. In light of the wide variety of issues, it’s safe to assume the wiring process was done poorly and/or cheaply.
Transmission Issues Seem Common, from Shuddering and Slipping to Overall Loss of Power
Prospective buyers may be surprised to learn the 2017 Escape has 13 TSBs related to transmission functions alone. Many of these address reports of transmission failure under 100,000 miles, with most seeming to occur around the 80,000-mile mark.
Issues Keep Us from Recommending the 2017 Escape
The Escape has a lot to offer in the SUV segment. However, the more powerful EcoBoost engines have been plagued with issues, and seemingly low build quality appears in other parts of the vehicle. If considering the Ford Escape, be sure to thoroughly vet the vehicle before purchase. Maybe stick with the 2.5-liter Duratec engine for peace of mind.
Photos: Ford
“On 2/17/21 my automatic transmission malfunctioned on the way home from work,” wrote one owner from Ohio. “The car started jerking and lost power along with noise and [a] system error flashed across [the] dashboard stating transmission failure. [The] car eventually lost power and [I] had to pull off the road. [The] car was towed into dealership … They said the torque converter had to be redesigned and if it made me feel any better there were many others with the same issue I was having that they were working on.”
Many similar complaints detail slipping transmissions, loss of power while driving, failure to shift into gear (such as reverse), “Transmission Fault Service Now” warnings, and dealerships declaring this to be a common issue.